Chapter 2

"But how do I get healthy…?"

I lay back down on the bed, exhausted, and thought to myself. To be so drained just from the short trip between the mirror and the bed—this body is really too frail.

"Work out? No, I’d die if I started that suddenly. I’m that weak."

I shook my head, imagining myself collapsing during a workout. Dying from a workout would be too sad.

"Since this is a game world, maybe there’s some special medicine… No, that’s impossible. I’ve never even heard of such a thing."

Despite having memories from my previous life…

I racked my brain, trying to come up with solutions. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

"It’s me, Anne."

Anne is my personal maid.

"Enter."

"Excuse me."

Anne opened the door and entered. Her face, unusually beautiful for a maid, was expressionless. However, I know from our long association that Anne is not emotionless, despite her lack of expression.

"You’re awake."

"Yes. I suddenly collapsed and caused you trouble, but I can get up now."

I didn’t say I was feeling well. My body still felt weak.

So frail… really, this body is so frail…

Anne placed a water pitcher by the bed, saying, "That’s good to hear."

"You were out for three whole days."

"Wh-What!? Three days!?"

I thought it was just one night! I exclaimed loudly, and my lungs hurt. Ugh, this body really is…

Anne gently supported me, readjusting the blanket over me.

"Don’t overexert yourself. If you die, I’ll die too."

Her love is heavy.

Perhaps because I adopted her from an orphanage, Anne is more loyal to me than to the household. She says she would die for me and openly declares that my happiness is her happiness.

Her loyalty is so intense that I worry she might actually follow me to the grave. I need to live longer for her sake. To do that, I need to improve this body.

"Since your body must still be in pain, shall I bring your meal here?"

"No, I’ll go to the dining room!"

I eagerly responded to Anne’s suggestion.

After being bedridden for three days, my already frail body must be even weaker. I need to move a bit to get my muscles and organs working!

Otherwise, I can see a future of being bedridden!

No, I can’t let that happen. To live a happy, slow life in this world, I can’t shorten my lifespan by staying in bed!

"As you wish. I’ll accompany you to the dining room."

With Anne’s support, I headed to the dining room. I pretended not to hear her mutter, "Your soft skin…"

On the way, I was reminded of our family’s wealth by the lavish furnishings. We are, after all, the second richest family in the kingdom.

Incidentally, the first is my fiancé’s family. It’s frustrating! How can I be outdone by that man!

But with this much wealth, it should be easy to support one daughter. Thank you, my wealthy family. Hallelujah!

Now, I just need to avoid the villainess flag and find a way to be supported!

When we arrived at the dining room, my father, mother, and brother were already there.

"Fiona, are you well enough to be up?"

Father asked, looking worried.

"Yes, you can eat in your room if you want. Don’t overdo it."

Mother was also concerned for me.

"If walking is too hard, I can carry you all the way, little sister."

That would make me even weaker!

"I’m fine now. Thank you for your concern."

I smiled at my family and took my seat.

Everyone is worried about me. Yes, I am loved by my family.

"I’ve asked the cook to prepare something to help you regain your strength."

So, this must be a meal tailored to my condition.

Good, I was hungry. After all, I haven’t eaten for three days.

I looked forward to the meal, but when I saw what was prepared, I was speechless.

"Father… what is this?"

"It’s a high-grade steak from our territory. It will give you strength. Eat up."

Indeed, in front of me was a delicious-looking steak.

The meat was thick, marbled with fat, and the aroma was incredible. It must melt in your mouth. This is something a poor salaryman would never see. In my previous life, I would have drooled with joy.

But as the frail villainess, I can’t eat it.

"No way!"

The savory smell of the steak alone made me feel sick, and I clutched my mouth.

"Fiona, what’s wrong? You usually eat this."

True, I usually ate it.

But I only did so out of consideration for my family and my pride as a noble. Of course, my stomach couldn’t handle it, and it was always a struggle.

Now, after being bedridden for three days, my weakened body can’t handle a fatty steak. It’s practically a weapon.

I checked the other dishes.

A salad loaded with cheese, a rich soup to go with the steak, a risotto made with beef, and other heavy dishes.

So much beef… I guess it’s a specialty, but there’s too much!

Looking back, our meals were always heavy. My family knows about my frailty, so why this menu…?

"Father… I’d like something lighter…"

Father looked puzzled at my request.

"What are you talking about? You need to eat something substantial to regain your strength."

…Huh?

"Especially this steak. It will make you feel better. Go ahead, don’t be shy."

Huh?

"Right, you need to eat it to get better. Don’t be picky."

"That’s right. Don’t be picky."

Huh?

Father, who seemed to have no ill intentions, suggested the heavy dishes, and Mother and Brother encouraged me to eat them.

Could it be…?

I reached a conclusion.

—This world doesn’t understand the needs of the sick!

Yes, that’s the only explanation. Otherwise, my loving family wouldn’t subject me to such harsh treatment.

I’m facing a cultural difference between modern humans and this world’s people!

My body is rejecting the food, but my family is looking at me, urging me to eat…

Come to think of it, even when I wasn’t feeling well, the meals were always heavy, and especially so when I was sick.

They thought it would make me feel better!

Health starts with diet.

But I’m in a terrifying situation where I can’t even eat the food.

I need to fix this urgently, or I’ll die before I even become the villainess!

I put down my knife and fork and declared:

"I’m going to improve my diet!"

Thank you for reading!

If you enjoyed it, I’d be very grateful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating or add it to your bookmarks!